UT residents spared power hike shock

The city residents can heave a sigh of relief as the joint electricity regulatory commission (JERC) has turned down the proposal submitted by the UT electricity department for enhancement in the existing tariffs.

The city residents can heave a sigh of relief as the joint electricity regulatory commission (JERC) has turned down the proposal submitted by the UT electricity department for enhancement in the existing tariffs.

The administration had proposed a 48.68% hike in tariffs in different slabs of domestic and commercial categories.

In its order, JERC stated, "The petitioner has proposed a 48.68% increase in average tariff on the existing tariff for financial year 2013-14. The commission has determined the retail tariff for 2013-14, keeping in view the guiding principles as stated in Section 61 of the act and also considered the objections of the stakeholders in this regard. Keeping in mind the approved aggregate revenue requirement of 2013-14 and reviewed gap of 2012-13, the commission is of the view that there is a surplus of Rs 1.57 crore, so there is no need to revise tariffs."

The administration had sought enhancement in tariffs on the ground that they had suffered a loss to the tune of Rs 344 crore since 2011-12. The projected loss is expected to go up to Rs 102 crore in 2013-14.

The administration had last increased the tariffs in April 2012.

UT superintending engineer MP Singh said JERC had raised objections to the audit system, stating that it should be done as commercial audit.

He, however, did not comment on the possibility of the department filing a review petition, stating that they are yet to go through the orders.

In the domestic category, the electricity department had proposed a hike from Rs 2.30 to Rs 3.50 in the slab of 0-150 units while in the slab of 150-400 units, an increase from Rs 4.20 to Rs 5.20 was proposed. In the commercial category, Rs 4.30 to Rs 5 in the slab between 0-150 units, Rs 4.50 to Rs 6.25 in the slab of 150-400 and Rs 4.70 to Rs 7 in slab above 400 units was proposed. In the agricultural category, a hike from Rs 2.30 to Rs 3.50 was proposed.

The power requirement of the city is met through the central generating power stations (CGS) of NTPC, NHPC and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) as determined by the government. Last summer, the city suffered frequent breakdowns and residents had a tough time. The maximum peak load of Chandigarh is about 363 MW while it is projected at a maximum of 439 MW by 2016-17.

Commercial slab to be applicable on educational institutes

The commission had decided that non-domestic slab shall be applicable to private schools/colleges, coaching institutes, research institutes other than those run by the UT administration.